TiggyR, I don't really know obviously but I feel in my bones that Celtic names' popularity may start to wane slightly in about (looks at watch) a year
Obviously 99% of Irish people have nothing to do with the IRA or the new Ira or the New murderers or whatever they call themselves, but I feel following the Good Friday Agreement Irish people abroad had more confidence about choosing Irish names. This had an effect on the people around them, as their choices rippled outwards.
I really, really, really, really hope I'm wrong, but if there are signs of re-emerging trouble in NI again, I think it could have a knock-on effect with the vogue for Celtic names.
before anybody tells me I don't know what I'm talking about, I'll say it first, you're right, this isn't based on anything scientific! I just feel Ireland and Scotland and all things Celtic were given their decade on the runway, and now it's time for something else to be new and fashionable.